David Artie Ellison passed away on Dec. 24, 2012 at Mercy Medical Center in Mount Shasta. He was 89 years old.

David was born in Weed on May 31, 1923. He grew up in Weed and graduated from Weed High School. On June 11, 1946 he married the love of his life, Irene Meehan, in Reno, Nev. They made their home in Weed, where Dave worked for Long Bell Logging as a logger and later in their machine shop.

In 1950, Dave and Irene moved to a wooden cabin in Big Springs. Dave had purchased the land at a dollar an acre and dreamed of starting a ranch. He and Irene lived in the tiny cabin while Dave worked to clear the land to prepare it for livestock and farming. He drilled a well that brought electricity all the way to Rat Camp. In 1954, he made the desert bloom with his crops and cattle. By 1959, Dave and Irene had built their dream home on the ranch where he lived the rest of his life.

On Aug. 6, 1951 Dave and Irene welcomed their only child Sherri Kaye.

Dave is survived by his wife of 66 years, Irene Ellison; his daughter Sherri of Big Springs; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; Shannon Spencer and her husband John of Montague and their children Haelee, Alexis and Laney; David Dunlap and his wife Amy of Yreka and their children Derek and Dylan; Tana Barber and her husband Damen of Little Shasta and their children Blair and Kylee; and Eli Walters, Garret Walters and Seth Walters, all of Big Springs.

Dave was preceded in death by his grandson Levi Walters.

An open house celebration of his life will be held at the Ellison Ranch home, 12425 Highway A-12 in Big Springs on Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013 from 1-4 p.m. Online condolences can be made at www.girdnerfuneralchapel.com. Girdner Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.